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Sacramento, CA. The Reverend Father Javier Guerra Ayala, Prior General of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects, recently visited the tomb of the Servant of God Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, OAR at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. He was accompanied by Father Eliseo González, OAR, Vice Postulator of the Cause. The Diocesan Process of the Cause of Canonization of Bishop Gallegos was opened in Sacramento on December 4, 2005 and concluded on November 4, 2006. The Congregation of the Causes of Saints in Rome granted the decree of validity on July 4, 2008.
The Prior General, who resides in Rome, presided the Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Augustine at their Priory in Oxnard, California. Promotion of Bishop Gallegos' cause for canonization was one of the Chapter's important determinations.
Together with the two Augustinian Recollect Fathers were some members of the Avalos Family whose daughter, Sara Lissette, recovered totally from her deteriorating eye sight on June 28, 2008 while praying at the tomb of Bishop Gallegos. In gratitude for this favor ascribed to the intercession of the Servant of God, the family also went to visit the tomb on the occasion of the anniversary of its occurrence. From the Cemetery, the group visited Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, where Bishop Gallegos served from 1981-1991, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, and Bishop Gallegos' Square situated between the Cathedral and the California State Capitol. The visit ended with a meeting with Bishop Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, at the diocesan Pastoral Center. This trip also included a visit with the Augustinian Recollect Sisters in Milpitas, California.
Bishop Alphonse Gallegos was known for his extraordinary dedication to the needs of Hispanics and the poor. In spite of suffering from extremely poor eyesight, he managed to minister with joy and optimism advancing the cause of those most in need, especially the migrant workers, the elderly and the youth. Information on his life and cause of canonization may be obtained at augustinianrecollects.org or by contacting Fr. Eliseo González, OAR, egonzalezoar@hotmail.com .
